19th Avenue tweak looks to speed M-Ocean View

One problem area is on 19th Avenue at Rossmoor Drive, where Muni tracks cross over the northbound traffic lanes of 19th Avenue so trains can enter and exit their private right-of-way near Stonestown Galleria.

The current transit signal operates at a fixed time interval, so motorists have to stop — even if there’s no train. According to a staff report from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency:

“This creates unnecessary delays to traffic and Muni, as the 28-Line and the 28R-Line both travel on 19th Avenue.”

On Tuesday, the SFMTA’s Board of Directors will consider a $3.4 million contract with ProVen Management to install train detection, which means northbound 19th Avenue traffic would only have to stop if a train is approaching.

UPDATE The SFMTA’s Board of Directors approved the contract at its March 7 regular board meeting.

In addition, the contractor would also replace the nearly 40-year old rail tracks between the Stonestown transit stop at Winston Drive to Rossmoor Drive, replace the overhead catenary system poles, and install red concrete around the rail crossing on Rossmoor Drive to remind drivers not to block the M-Ocean View right-of-way.

There would also be oncoming train signals installed to inform pedestrians crossing near Rossmoor Drive and new ADA-compliant curb ramps installed, the transit agency said.

The SFMTA staff report said work would coincide with the Twin Peaks Tunnel Project since the M-Ocean View will already be running on bus shuttle service during the Twin Peaks Tunnel closure.

Funding for the project is still pending approval from the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, the staff report said.